High Street, Melrose, TD6 9PA, Scotland, UK
The Fly Fisher is a specialist fly fishing shop located in Melrose, in the Scottish Borders, situated in the heart of one of the most historically significant fly fishing regions in the world. The River Tweed, perhaps the most famous Atlantic salmon river in Scotland, flows through the valley just below the town, and the surrounding Borders landscape is threaded with tributary streams and stillwater lochs that have sustained a fly fishing culture for centuries. The shop draws on this deep heritage while embracing modern tackle technology and contemporary fishing methods.
The retail space is intimate but exceptionally well curated. The salmon section carries a carefully chosen selection of double-handed rods, large-arbor reels, and Spey lines suited to the broad, powerful pools of the Tweed and its major tributaries like the Ettrick and Yarrow. The fly bins include classic Scottish salmon patterns, tube flies, and modern hairwing designs in the subdued colors that perform well in the often-peaty waters of the Borders rivers. The trout department is equally strong, with light rods, fluorocarbon tippets, and dry-fly patterns developed for the wild brown trout that inhabit the region's burns and lochs. A comprehensive fly tying materials section supports the strong local tradition of tying one's own patterns, and the staff can recommend specific dressings for particular beats and conditions. The shop offers guided days on the Tweed and its tributaries, arranged through a network of experienced ghillies and local guides who know the river's many moods. For visiting anglers seeking an authentic Scottish fly fishing experience grounded in centuries of tradition, The Fly Fisher provides both the gear and the local knowledge to make it happen.
“Returned to fishing here at the watch after many years absence. Fished here way back when Bill Renton ran the fishery. The lodge was put up under his domain, before that there was an old caravan. Many happy memories. Fished every Friday for the last 3 months. I won't tell any lies a lot of the time it's been a hard slog, which I suppose it makes it worthwhile when you do catch fish. The Resevoir at the moment is low the water is warm, I think the rainbow trout are off in the deep water sulking. That is my excuse for finding it difficult, as are many others, better anglers than me. Slow time fishing, watch and listen to the birds, or the shepherd and his dogs working the sheep. As always up in the hills you get all the season's weather in one day or the wind can change direction two or three times. I think I've gone through all the excuses for finding it difficult to catch fish, maybe that's why it's called fishing. Tight Lines.”
“Amazing place, if struggling to get here, put Longformacus village hall in and follow the signs”
“Lovely Managed a wild camp”
